Thematic Analysis

Cleverness
- “ Cleverness, after all, has its limitations”
Hoff mentions that cleverness have limitation because mechanical judgements doesn’t look very deeply into things by talking about Rabbit. Rabbit is the one who represents cleverness, and he is not successful in making Kanga and Roo leave.

Inner Nature
- Hoff explains that the thing that makes someone truly unique or different to others is ‘Inner Nature’ which is “something that cleverness cannot really understand”. He supports with the Cottleston Pie Principle, based on the song Cottleston Pie.


“A fly can’t bird, but a bird can fly.” (39)

This quote basically means that things are just as they are. This is the reason why everyone is unique. Everything is unique but they still exist in same world in order to meet a purpose. For example, in the writing of Chuan-tse, Hui-tse tells him that his tree is useless and has no value to it. However, he tells him “It is useless to you only because you want to make it into something else, and do not use it in its proper way.” According to Hoff, it is when one gives respect to his or her Inner Nature, that the person can finally fit into the society. Hoff agrees that humans can be different from each other, but the those who appreciate their Inner Nature and their true identity will be able to find it’s belonging and succeed.
At the same time, another idea of Inner Nature is recognizing What’s There. Hoff’s theory is that if no one notices what’s there, it is not wise. For instance, Tigger doesn’t reveal his real identity and does not see the Jagulars. However,Tigger regrets being blind right infront and showing off in the end. There’s limitation when judging others by their appearances. It is limitations of individuals that develops the Inner Nature even more. For example, piglet is able to save himself from many dangerous situations since she is tiny. Furthermore, Taoist believed that things should be left as it is without interference since that is the way nature wants, and that we don’t have to know everything.

In conclusion, Hoff’s main theme in Cottleston Pie is individual uniqueness that can only be obtained through knowing, understanding and trusting the Inner Nature of oneself rather than Shallow Cleverness.


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